China Sentences Australian Writer Yang Hengjun to Suspended Death Penalty

Chinese-Australian writer and businessman Yang Hengjun, who has been detained in China on national security charges since 2019, has been given a suspended death sentence with two years' probation, which may be commuted to life imprisonment if he does not commit any crimes during that period. The severe sentence has strained relations between Australia and China, with the Australian government expressing deep concern and calling for basic standards of justice and humane treatment for Yang. The specific accusations against Yang were not detailed, but the severity of the sentence suggests espionage charges.